Select Board Meeting called to order at 9:01 am.
Roll Call: Beth Downs (Chair), Marlene Freyler, Mel Pfeifle
Also attending: Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Public Input:
None.
Regular and Old Business:
Set Tax Rate: The Board reviewed the tax rate breakdown supplied by the Department of Revenue and discussed the impact of using some Fund Balance to reduce the tax rate. The most that the Town could use and remain within the DRA guidelines would be $60,733. The Board opted to conserve the Town’s Fund Balance.
Motion: Beth Downs moved that the Board agree to set the tax rate at $27.80 per thousand using $0 from Fund Balance.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
The Board engaged in a conversation about the impact of the 2023 tax increase. It was noted that $1.46 of the $3.11 increase is attributable to State and Local Education. They challenged themselves to create a less impactful budget for 2024.
Highway Block Funding: Karen shared that there is $222.05 remaining from the $76K in Additional Highway Block Funding received in 2022. She suggested that it be used for road patch (or other road work/supplies) before the end of this year. The Board agreed by consensus.
HealthTrust Memo: The Board signed the memo to be sent to employees with the 2024 benefit selection choices and payroll deduction amounts.
Motion: Marlene Freyler moved that the Board enter non-public session per RSA 91-A:3II (e) at 9:38 am.
Second: Mel Pfeifle
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved to return to public session at 9:51 am.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Motion: Beth Downs moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:51 am.
Second: Marlene Freyler
Decision: 3-0, All in favor
Respectfully submitted, Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator